During the conference, a journalist asked a question about Iran's global outreach after the parliament's impeachment of the country's science minister, increased raids targeting satellite dishes and the detention of Washington Post correspondent Jason Rezaian.

Rezaian, 38, and his wife Yeganeh Salehi, a correspondent for the Abu Dhabi-based daily newspaper The National, have been held for more than a month. They were detained with two photojournalists who were later released.

When asked about Rezaian's detention, Rouhani said: "In our country, there is not a united viewpoint. There are different viewpoints. Institutes and organs have tasks that they carry some actions in their framework."

Iranian officials have not specifically said why Rezaian and his wife were detained.

The Washington Post has said Rezaian holds both American and Iranian citizenship. His wife is an Iranian citizen who has applied for U.S. permanent residency. Iranian officials previously have said the country doesn't recognize dual citizenship and suggested the two would face justice under local law.